Taking a look at a new £1m, solar-powered building currently under construction, Stephen Carville was able to demonstrate that even in a climate of funding cuts and amidst a national campaign asking the Government to scrap the VAT that sixth form colleges have to pay (whilst schools and academies do not), the college continues to find ways to invest in order to provide a high standard of learning opportunities.
Stephen comments: "We are very pleased to be able to undertake projects such as this new college building, as well as all the other smaller – but no less important – investments into our 16-18 education provision. However, there is no denying that if the 'learning tax' were to be dropped, it would allow Peter Symonds and all the other sixth form colleges in the area to further improve facilities, increase resources and expand the choice of study and enrichment opportunities."
Steve Brine adds: "I strongly believe that young people should receive the same level of investment in their education, irrespective of where they choose to study. It would cost around £30m per year to ensure students in sixth form colleges (93 in the country, with nine of those in Hampshire) are treated fairly; this is a comparatively modest sum for central government that would make an enormous difference to the education of these young people, especially those studying in my constituency such as at Peter Symonds."
An e-petition to the Government to drop the learning tax and introduce a VAT refund scheme for sixth form colleges has gained over 17,000 signatures and closes on 30 March 2015.
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